News and Stories

FROM THE FIELDS: Iceberg Lettuce Weights

June 24, 2015

Markon First Crop Premium Iceberg Lettuce is limited; Markon Best Available is being substituted as needed.

Case weights for iceberg lettuce have dropped significantly this week. After being as high as 53 pounds recently, Markon inspectors are now reporting weights in the low 40-pound range throughout the industry. Due to inconsistent temperatures and the summer varieties now being harvested, fields are exhibiting inconsistent growth, large size, and puffy texture. The varieties now being harvested are typically grown as we move into the summer months when longer days and warmer temperatures are typically prevalent. Since weather has been inconsistent without the extended warm periods characteristic of this time of year, heads are not maturing as full and dense as desired.

The current trend of lighter-than-normal weights is expected to continue through the next several days at least; temperatures are forecast to remain in the upper 60s to low 70s with cool nighttime temperatures. Markon Inspectors will continue to monitor fields and report back with any further updates.

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.